Bow Valley rallies to support Jasper [Video]

The impact of the wildfires that have burned through Jasper is hitting close to home in the Bow Valley.

“Banff’s heart is absolutely shattered and broken into a million pieces by what has happened to our sister community Jasper,” said Mayor Corrie DiManno.

“Jasper is family and so we grieve alongside them.”

The wildfire burned 30 per cent of the town’s structures, and people have realized the same thing could happen in Banff National Park.

“The reality of what can happen with wildfires just becomes that much more real to you. … It’s definitely been a very heavy atmosphere in town this week.”

Several initiatives have taken over the town, including a job posting board to help displaced Jasperites find work with accommodation.

Several fundraising campaigns have also been launched, including the Rocky Mountain Community Relief fund by the Banff Canmore Foundation.

“There is this energy to actually pull resources and flow them to Jasper,” said Jodi Gammad, services …